It’s time to talk about how eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses, yet statistics indicate that less than 10% of individuals receive treatment.

It’s time to talk about how eating disorders can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

It’s time to talk about the inadequate insurance coverage of treatment for eating disorders, as well as the lack of affordable options.

It’s time to talk about how eating disorders are not a choice. Many factors contribute to the development of eating disorders, including biological, societal, and environmental.

It’s time to talk about how full recovery is possible, but requires choosing to do the harder thing by combating the eating disorder voice and addressing the underlying issues.

It’s time to talk about how society perpetuates misconceptions about eating disorders, which can discourage individuals from seeking treatment. As a therapist who specializes in eating disorders, I frequently hear clients invalidate their illness by stating that they can’t have an eating disorder because they, ‘aren’t thin enough’ or ‘don’t restrict enough.’

National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) Week takes place from February 26th to March 5th. This year's theme, “it’s time to talk about it,” aims to increase the conversation about eating disorders and provide access to vital resources for those suffering from eating disorders. For more information about how to get involved with NEDA week, visit their website.

Salina Grilli, LMSW is therapist at Cobb Psychotherapy. If you would like support with an eating disorder, contactCobb Psychotherapy and see how therapy can help.